Q&A: Keith McNally & Stephen Starr’s Pastis Opens in Wynwood

Miami, FL – May 3, 2023 – Introducing Pastis by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Keith McNally and Stephen Starr. An iconic French brasserie, the story of Pastis began in 1999 in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District when McNally found himself inspired by the off-kilter feel of the area. The restaurateur maintained a celebrated presence in the area until losing the original lease to the building of a hardware store. Working to reopen his beloved space, McNally suffered a life-altering stroke in 2016, costing him the collapse of the deal that would have brought Pastis back to life.

Then along came Stephen Starr. The meeting of minds that began as a coffee date led to an agreement for mutual investment in the return of Pastis— and now the unlikely partnership is bringing that same spark found in 1999’s Meatpacking District to 2023’s Wynwood.

The new space delivers the excitement Keith McNally brought to the original New York location, with a fresh twist to the iconic design aspects. With a delicious menu channeled from South of France and a fresh take on Amalfi Coast classics, the dishes served are sure to delight senses and transport a foodie through the passion of two people who are truly moved by what they do.

WRE: This is your first restaurant in Wynwood, what drew you to the neighborhood? 

Stephen Starr: What drew me to Wynwood years ago was that it reminded me, in some Miami way, of NYC’s Meatpacking District. When I first started going there 10 years ago, the area was filled with warehouses and artists. It was remote but had tremendous potential. When it came time to think about Pastis in Miami, that memory from years ago was still there. While the neighborhood had developed, it still had that off-kilter feel to it.

WRE: You have had a presence in South Florida for many years, what is unique about the market? 

SS: I’ve always loved Miami. I love the beach. I love the weather. And now, the area has seen this economic boom. With bon appétit just calling Miami the food city of the year, I think our instincts were right on the money.

I’m addicted to great spaces. What I’m constantly looking for is a space that really moves me.

Stephen Starr

WRE: What is the design inspiration? 

The design of Pastis was conceived entirely by my partner, Keith McNally, and Ian McPheely of Paisley Designs. They designed the original New York location together, and while Miami is not a carbon copy of that location, we kept some of its iconic design aspects such as the curved zinc bar, white subway tiles, gold-painted mirrors and signature red banquettes.

WRE: What are some of the menu highlights? 

SS: Classic favorites like French Onion Soup; Escargots; a selection of Steak Frites; Moules Frites; and the classically made Cheeseburger à l’Américaine.

WRE: What future projects might we expect from you in Miami? 

SS: I’m addicted to great spaces. What I’m constantly looking for is a space that really moves me. When I see it, I react immediately. We’ll see what moves me next…

WRE: Are there unique dishes for the Miami location? 

SS: We wanted to channel some South of France moments onto the menu. We had a couple of our chefs specifically Laurent Gras, who lived in that region and worked with Alain Ducasse in Monte Carlo, come up with a few dishes like the Snapper Provencal and Le Grand Aioli to add some lighter touches to the menu, like you would find in the South of France. We also took certain liberties and tapped into the Amalfi Coast with dishes like the Spaghetti Limone.

WRE: What do you personally love about Miami? 

SS: The beach and the Rubell Museum.

We wanted to channel some South of France moments

Stephen Starr

 

We wanted to channel some South of France moments

Stephen Starr